Plymouth people urged to raise awareness of a life-threatening disease

A CHARITY is urging people in Plymouth to help raise awareness of one of the UK's least-known, life-threatening diseases – by going purple.

Kidney Research UK is making its colourful appeal in the run up to World Kidney Day, which takes place on Thursday, March 14.

Everyone from city office workers to schoolchildren are being encouraged to take part by organising purple-themed events.

The number of people being treated for kidney failure in the UK has risen every year since 2006, with more than 450 patients undergoing dialysis or receiving follow-on care for a transplant in Plymouth alone. And one in 25 adults in the Plymouth area is diagnosed as having chronic kidney disease.